Virtualized site survey systems and methods for cell sites

ABSTRACT

A virtual site survey method at a cell site utilizing three-dimensional (3D) models for remote performance includes obtaining a plurality of photographs of a cell site comprising one or more of a cell tower and one or more buildings and interiors thereof; subsequent to the obtaining, processing the plurality of photographs to define a three dimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on one or more objects of interest in the plurality of photographs; and remotely performing a site survey of the cell site utilizing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the 3D model to collect and obtain information about the cell site, the cell tower, the one or more buildings, and the interiors thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present patent/application is continuation-in-part of and thecontent of each are incorporated by reference herein:

Filing Date Ser. No. Title May 20, 2016 15/160,890 3D MODELING OF CELLSITES AND CELL TOWERS WITH UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES Apr. 18, 201615/131,460 UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE- BASED SYSTEMS AND METHODS ASSOCIATEDWITH CELL SITES AND CELL TOWERS WITH ROBOTIC ARMS FOR PERFORMINGOPERATIONS Jun. 11, 2015 14/736,925 TETHERED UNMANNED AERIALVEHICLE-BASED SYSTEMS AND METHODS ASSOCIATED WITH CELL SITES AND CELLTOWERS Apr. 14, 2015 14/685,720 UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE- BASED SYSTEMSAND METHODS ASSOCIATED WITH CELL SITES AND CELL TOWERS

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to cell site systems andmethods. More particularly, the present disclosure relates tovirtualized site survey systems and methods using three-dimensional (3D)modeling of cell sites and cell towers with and without unmanned aerialvehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Due to the geographic coverage nature of wireless service, there arehundreds of thousands of cell towers in the United States. For example,in 2014, it was estimated that there were more than 310,000 cell towersin the United States. Cell towers can have heights up to 1,500 feet ormore. There are various requirements for cell site workers (alsoreferred to as tower climbers or transmission tower workers) to climbcell towers to perform maintenance, audit, and repair work for cellularphone and other wireless communications companies. This is both adangerous and costly endeavor. For example, between 2003 and 2011, 50tower climbers died working on cell sites (see, e.g.,www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/social-issues/cell-tower-deaths/in-race-for-better-cell-service-men-who-climb-towers-pay-with-their-lives/).Also, OSHA estimates that working on cell sites is 10 times moredangerous than construction work, generally (see, e.g.,www.propublica.org/article/cell-tower-work-fatalities-methodology).Furthermore, the tower climbs also can lead to service disruptionscaused by accidents. Thus, there is a strong desire, from both a costand safety perspective, to reduce the number of tower climbs.

Concurrently, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), referred to asdrones, is evolving. There are limitations associated with UAVs,including emerging FAA rules and guidelines associated with theircommercial use. It would be advantageous to leverage the use of UAVs toreduce tower climbs of cell towers. US 20140298181 to Rezvan describesmethods and systems for performing a cell site audit remotely. However,Rezvan does not contemplate performing any activity locally at the cellsite, nor various aspects of UAV use. US 20120250010 to Hannay describesaerial inspections of transmission lines using drones. However, Hannaydoes not contemplate performing any activity locally at the cell site,nor various aspects of constraining the UAV use. Specifically, Hannaycontemplates a flight path in three dimensions along a transmissionline.

Of course it would be advantageous to further utilize UAVs to actuallyperform operations on a cell tower. However, adding one or more roboticarms, carrying extra equipment, etc. presents a significantly complexproblem in terms of UAV stabilization while in flight, i.e.,counterbalancing the UAV to account for the weight and movement of therobotic arms. Research and development continues in this area, butcurrent solutions are complex and costly, eliminating the drivers forusing UAVs for performing cell tower work.

3D modeling is important for cell site operators, cell tower owners,engineers, etc. There exist current techniques to make 3D models ofphysical sites such as cell sites. One approach is to take hundreds orthousands of pictures and to use software techniques to combine thesepictures to form a 3D model. Generally, conventional approaches forobtaining the pictures include fixed cameras at the ground with zoomcapabilities or pictures via tower climbers. It would be advantageous toutilize a UAV to obtain the pictures, providing 360 degree photos froman aerial perspective. Use of aerial pictures is suggested in in US20100231687 to Armory. However, this approach generally assumes picturestaken from a fixed perspective relative to the cell site, such as via afixed, mounted camera and a mounted camera in an aircraft. It has beendetermined that such an approach is moderately inaccurate during 3Dmodeling and combination with software due to slight variations inlocation tracking capabilities of systems such as Global PositioningSatellite (GPS). It would be advantageous to adapt a UAV to takepictures and provide systems and methods for accurate 3D modeling basedthereon to again leverage the advantages of UAVs over tower climbers,i.e., safety, climbing speed and overall speed, cost, etc.

In the process of planning, installing, maintaining, and operating cellsites and cell towers, site surveys are performed for testing, auditing,planning, diagnosing, inventorying, etc. Conventional site surveysinvolve physical site access including access to the top of the celltower, the interior of any buildings, cabinets, shelters, huts, hardenedstructures, etc. at the cell site, and the like. With over 200,000 cellsites in the U.S., geographically distributed everywhere, site surveyscan be expensive, time-consuming, and complex. The various parentapplications associated herewith describe techniques to utilize UAVs tooptimize and provide safer site surveys. It would also be advantageousto further optimize site surveys by minimizing travel throughvirtualization of the entire process.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an exemplary embodiment, a virtual site survey method at a cell siteutilizing three-dimensional (3D) models for remote performance includesobtaining a plurality of photographs of a cell site including one ormore of a cell tower and one or more buildings and interiors thereof;subsequent to the obtaining, processing the plurality of photographs todefine a three dimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on one ormore objects of interest in the plurality of photographs; and remotelyperforming a site survey of the cell site utilizing a Graphical UserInterface (GUI) of the 3D model to collect and obtain information aboutthe cell site, the cell tower, the one or more buildings, and theinteriors thereof.

In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus adapted to perform avirtual site survey of a cell site utilizing three-dimensional (3D)models for remote performance includes a network interface and aprocessor communicatively coupled to one another; and memory storinginstructions that, when executed, cause the processor to receive, viathe network interface, a plurality of photographs of a cell siteincluding one or more of a cell tower and one or more buildings andinteriors thereof process the plurality of photographs to define a threedimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on one or more objects ofinterest in the plurality of photographs, subsequent to receiving thephotographs; and provide a Graphical User Interface of the 3D model forremote performance of a site survey of the cell site utilizing the 3Dmodel to collect and obtain information about the cell site, the celltower, the one or more buildings, and the interiors thereof.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer readablemedium includes instructions that, when executed, cause one or moreprocessors to perform the steps of: receiving a plurality of photographsof a cell site including one or more of a cell tower and one or morebuildings and interiors thereof; processing the plurality of photographsto define a three dimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on oneor more objects of interest in the plurality of photographs, subsequentto receiving the photographs; and rendering a Graphical User Interfaceof the 3D model for remote performance of a site survey of the cell siteutilizing the 3D model to collect and obtain information about the cellsite, the cell tower, the one or more buildings, and the interiorsthereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method for modeling a cell site with anUnmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) includes causing the UAV to fly a givenflight path about a cell tower at the cell site, wherein a launchlocation and launch orientation is defined for the UAV to take off andland at the cell site such that each flight at the cell site has thesame launch location and launch orientation; obtaining a plurality ofphotographs of the cell site during about the flight plane, wherein eachof the plurality of photographs is associated with one or more locationidentifiers; and, subsequent to the obtaining, processing the pluralityof photographs to define a three dimensional (3D) model of the cell sitebased on the associated with one or more location identifiers and one ormore objects of interest in the plurality of photographs.

In another exemplary embodiment, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)associated with a cell site one or more rotors disposed to a body; acamera associated with the body; wireless interfaces; a processorcoupled to the wireless interfaces and the camera; and memory storinginstructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: processcommands to cause the UAV to fly a given flight path about a cell towerat the cell site, wherein a launch location and launch orientation isdefined for the UAV to take off and land at the cell site such that eachflight at the cell site has the same launch location and launchorientation; obtain a plurality of photographs of the cell site duringabout the flight plane, wherein each of the plurality of photographs isassociated with one or more location identifiers; and provide theplurality of photographs to a processing system which defines a threedimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on the associated with oneor more location identifiers and one or more objects of interest in theplurality of photographs.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a cell site includes a cell towerwith cell site components associated therewith; a housing at the cellsite storing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV); wherein the UAV isconfigured to fly a given flight path about a cell tower at the cellsite, wherein a launch location and launch orientation is defined forthe UAV to take off and land at the cell site such that each flight atthe cell site has the same launch location and launch orientation;wherein the UAV is configured to obtain a plurality of photographs ofthe cell site during about the flight plane, wherein each of theplurality of photographs is associated with one or more locationidentifiers; and wherein a processing system is configured to define athree dimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on the associatedwith one or more location identifiers and one or more objects ofinterest in the plurality of photographs.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(UAV) associated with a cell site includes causing the UAV to fly at ornear the cell site, wherein the UAV includes one or more manipulablearms which are stationary during flight; physically connecting the UAVto a structure at the cell site and disengaging flight componentsassociated with the UAV; and performing one or more functions via theone or more manipulable arms while the UAV is physically connected tothe structure, wherein the one or more manipulable arms move while theUAV is physically connected to the structure.

In another exemplary embodiment, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)associated with a cell site includes one or more rotors disposed to abody; one or more manipulable arms disposed to the body; a cameraassociated with the body; wireless interfaces; a processor coupled tothe wireless interfaces and the camera; and memory storing instructionsthat, when executed, cause the processor to: process commands to causethe one or more rotors to fly the UAV at or near the cell site, whereinthe one or more manipulable arms are stationary during flight; processcommands to cause the UAV to physically connect to a structure at thecell site and to disengage the one or more rotors; and perform one ormore functions via the one or more manipulable arms while the UAV isphysically connected to the structure, wherein the one or moremanipulable arms move while the UAV is physically connected to thestructure.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a cell site includes a cell towerwith cell site components associated therewith; a housing at the cellsite storing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), wherein the UAV includesone or more manipulable arms; wherein the UAV is configured to fly at ornear the cell site responsive to a command while the one or moremanipulable arms are stationary; and wherein the UAV is configured tophysically connect to a structure at the cell site and to disengageflight and to subsequently perform one or more functions via the one ormore manipulable arms while the UAV is physically connected to thestructure, wherein the one or more manipulable arms move while the UAVis physically connected to the structure.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method with a tethered Unmanned AerialVehicle (UAV) associated with a cell site includes causing the UAV tofly at or near the cell site while the UAV is tethered at or near thecell site via a connection, wherein flight of the UAV at or near thecell site is constrained based on the connection; and performing one ormore functions via the UAV at or near the cell site while the UAV isflying tethered at or near the cell site.

In another exemplary embodiment, a tethered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(UAV) associated with a cell site includes one or more rotors disposedto a body, wherein the body is tethered to the cell site via aconnection; a camera associated with the body; wireless interfaces; aprocessor coupled to the wireless interfaces and the camera; and memorystoring instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to:process commands to cause the one or more rotors to fly the UAV at ornear the cell site while the UAV is tethered at or near the cell sitevia the connection, wherein flight of the UAV at or near the cell siteis constrained based on the connection; and perform one or morefunctions via the UAV at or near the cell site while the UAV is flyingtethered at or near the cell site, utilizing one or more of the cameraand the wireless interfaces.

In another exemplary embodiment, a cell site includes a cell tower withcell site components associated therewith; a housing at the cell sitestoring an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), wherein the UAV is tethered atthe cell site via a connection; wherein the UAV is configured to fly ator near the cell site responsive to a command while the UAV is tetheredat or near the cell site via the connection, wherein flight of the UAVat or near the cell site is constrained based on the connection; andwherein the UAV is configured to perform one or more functions at ornear the cell site while the UAV is flying tethered at or near the cellsite, utilizing one or more of a camera and wireless interfaces.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method performed at a cell site with anUnmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) communicatively coupled to a controller toperform a cell site audit, without requiring a tower climb at the cellsite, includes causing the UAV to fly substantially vertically up tocell site components using the controller, wherein flight of the UAV isconstrained in a three-dimensional rectangle at the cell site;collecting data associated with the cell site components using the UAV;transmitting and/or storing the collected data; and processing thecollected data to obtain information for the cell site audit.

In another exemplary embodiment, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)configured to perform a cell site audit at a cell site, withoutrequiring a tower climb at the cell site, includes one or more rotorsdisposed to a body; a camera associated with the body; wirelessinterfaces; a processor coupled to the wireless interfaces; and memorystoring instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to:receive instructions, via the wireless interfaces, related to flight atthe cell site, wherein flight of the UAV is constrained in athree-dimensional rectangle at the cell site; cause the one or morerotors to operate pursuant to the instructions; operate the camerapursuant to the instructions; and transmit, via the wireless interfaces,or store, in a data store, data from the camera, for performing the cellsite audit, wherein the data is processed to data to obtain informationfor the cell site audit.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a system configured to perform a cellsite audit at a cell site, without requiring a tower climb at the cellsite, includes a mobile device including: mobile device wirelessinterfaces communicatively coupled to wireless interfaces on an UnmannedAerial Vehicle (UAV); a display; a processor, wherein the mobile devicewireless interfaces, the display, and the processor are communicativelycoupled to one another; and memory storing instructions that, whenexecuted, cause the processor to: cause the UAV to fly substantiallyvertically up to cell site components through communication to the UAVwireless interfaces, wherein flight of the UAV is constrained in athree-dimensional rectangle at the cell site; receive data associatedwith the cell site components from the UAV wireless interfaces; displaythe received data to the display; and process the received data toobtain information for the cell site audit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated and described herein withreference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers areused to denote like system components/method steps, as appropriate, andin which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a side view of an exemplary cell site;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a cell site audit performed with an unmannedaerial vehicle (UAV);

FIG. 3 is a screen diagram of a view of a graphical user interface (GUI)on a mobile device while piloting the UAV;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary UAV for use with thesystems and methods described herein’

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a mobile device, which may be used for thecell site audit or the like;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a cell site audit method utilizing the UAV andthe mobile device;

FIG. 7 is a network diagram of various cell sites deployed in ageographic region;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a tethered configuration with a UAV at a cellsite;

FIG. 9 is a diagram of another tethered configuration with a UAV at acell site;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method with a tethered UAV associated with acell site;

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a UAV with robotic arms at a cell site;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the UAV with robotic arms and a payload ata cell site;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method with a UAV with robotic arms at acell site;

FIG. 14 is a diagram of the cell site and an associated launchconfiguration and flight for the UAV to obtain photos for a 3D model ofthe cell site;

FIG. 15 is a satellite view of an exemplary flight of the UAV at thecell site;

FIG. 16 is a side view of an exemplary flight of the UAV at the cellsite;

FIG. 17 is a logical diagram of a portion of a cell tower along withassociated photos taken by the UAV at different points relative thereto;

FIG. 18 is a screen shot of a Graphic User Interface (GUI) associatedwith post processing photos from the UAV;

FIG. 19 is a screen shot of a 3D model constructed from a plurality of2D photos taken from the UAV as described herein;

FIGS. 20-25 are various screen shots illustrate GUIs associated with a3D model of a cell site based on photos taken from the UAV as describedherein;

FIG. 26 is a photo of the UAV in flight at the top of a cell tower;

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of a process for modeling a cell site with anUnmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV);

FIG. 28 is a diagram of an exemplary interior of a building, such as theshelter or cabinet, at the cell site;

FIG. 29 is a flowchart of a virtual site survey process for the cellsite.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Again, in various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure relatesto virtualized site survey systems and methods using three-dimensional(3D) modeling of cell sites and cell towers with and without unmannedaerial vehicles. The virtualized site survey systems and methodsutilizing photo data capture along with location identifiers, points ofinterest, etc. to create three-dimensional (3D) modeling of all aspectsof the cell sites, including interiors of buildings, cabinets, shelters,huts, hardened structures, etc. As described herein, a site survey canalso include a site inspection, cell site audit, or anything performedbased on the 3D model of the cell site including building interiors.With the data capture, 3D modeling can render a completely virtualrepresentation of the cell sites. The data capture can be performed byon-site personnel, automatically with fixed, networked cameras, or acombination thereof. With the data capture and the associated 3D model,engineers and planners can perform site surveys, without visiting thesites leading to significant efficiency in cost and time. From the 3Dmodel, any aspect of the site survey can be performed remotely includingdeterminations of equipment location, accurate spatial rendering,planning through drag and drop placement of equipment, access to actualphotos through a Graphical User Interface, indoor texture mapping, andequipment configuration visualization mapping the equipment in a 3Drack.

Further, in various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosurerelates to three-dimensional (3D) modeling of cell sites and cell towerswith unmanned aerial vehicles. The present disclosure includes UAV-basedsystems and methods for 3D modeling and representing of cell sites andcell towers. The systems and methods include obtaining various picturesvia a UAV at the cell site, flying around the cell site to obtainvarious different angles of various locations, tracking the variouspictures (i.e., enough pictures to produce an acceptable 3D model,usually hundreds, but could be more) with location identifiers, andprocessing the various pictures to develop a 3D model of the cell siteand the cell tower. Additionally, the systems and methods focus onprecision and accuracy ensuring the location identifiers are as accurateas possible for the processing by using multiple different locationtracking techniques as well as ensuring the UAV is launched from a samelocation and/or orientation for each flight. The same location and/ororientation, as described herein, was shown to provide more accuratelocation identifiers versus arbitrary location launches and orientationsfor different flights. Additionally, once the 3D model is constructed,the systems and methods include an application which enables cell siteowners and cell site operators to “click” on any location and obtainassociated photos, something extremely useful in the ongoing maintenanceand operation thereof. Also, once constructed, the 3D model is capableof various measurements including height, angles, thickness, elevation,even Radio Frequency (RF), and the like.

Still further, in various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosurerelates to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based systems and methodsassociated with cell sites and cell towers, such as performingoperations on cell towers via robotic arms on the UAV. To solve theissues of counterbalancing the UAV with additional weight due tocarrying components and robotic arm movement, the systems and methodsphysically connect the UAV to the cell tower prior to deploying andoperating the robotic arms. In this manner, the UAV can be flown up thecell tower with the robotic arms stationary and optionally withequipment carried therein, tethered to the cell tower, and the roboticarms can move without requiring counterbalancing of the UAV in flight.That is, the UAV is stationary and fixed to the cell tower whileperforming operations and maneuvers with the robotic arms. Accordingly,the systems and methods do not require complex counterbalancingtechniques and provide superior stability since the UAV is not in flightwhile using the robotic arms. This approach allows use of commercial UAVdevices without requiring complex control circuitry. Specifically, celltowers lend themselves to physical connections to the UAV. As describedherein, various maintenance and installation tasks can be accomplishedon a cell tower while eliminating tower climbs therefor.

Still further, in additional exemplary embodiments, UAV-based systemsand methods are described associated with cell sites, such as forproviding cell tower audits and the like, including a tetheredconfiguration. Various aspects of UAVs are described herein to reducetower climbs in conjunction with cell tower audits. Additional aspectsare described utilizing UAVs for other functions, such as flying fromcell tower to cell tower to provide audit services and the like.Advantageously, using UAVs for cell tower audits exponentially improvesthe safety of cell tower audits and has been shown by Applicants toreduce costs by over 40%, as well as drastically improving audit time.With the various aspects described herein, a UAV-based audit can providesuperior information and quality of such information, including a 360degree tower view. In one aspect, the systems and methods include aconstrained flight zone for the UAV such as a three-dimensionalrectangle (an “ice cube” shape) about the cell tower. This constrainedflight zone allows the systems and methods to operate the UAV withoutextensive regulations such as including extra personnel for “spotting”and requiring private pilot's licenses.

The tethered configuration includes a connection between the UAV and oneor more components at a cell site. The connection can include a cable, arope, a power cable, a communications cable, a fiber optic cable, etc.,i.e., any connection with strength to constrain the UAV to the cellsite. One aspect of the tethered configuration is to constrain a flightpath of the UAV at the cell site. Here, the UAV may be considered partof the cell site/cell tower and not a flying vehicle that is subject toairspace regulations. Another aspect of the tethered configuration is toprovide power and/or communications to the UAV. Here, the UAV canmaintain extended periods of flight to provide cell site audits,wireless service, visual air traffic surveillance, etc. With theconnection providing power and/or communications, the UAV can flyextended time periods. The connection can be tethered to the cell toweror some associated component, to a stake, weight, fence, buildingstructure, etc.

§1.0 Exemplary Cell Site

Referring to FIG. 1, in an exemplary embodiment, a diagram illustrates aside view of an exemplary cell site 10. The cell site 10 includes a celltower 12. The cell tower 12 can be any type of elevated structure, suchas 100-200 feet/30-60 meters tall. Generally, the cell tower 12 is anelevated structure for holding cell site components 14. The cell tower12 may also include a lighting rod 16 and a warning light 18. Of course,there may various additional components associated with the cell tower12 and the cell site 10 which are omitted for illustration purposes. Inthis exemplary embodiment, there are four sets 20, 22, 24, 26 of cellsite components 14, such as for four different wireless serviceproviders. In this example, the sets 20, 22, 24 include various antennas30 for cellular service. The sets 20, 22, 24 are deployed in sectors,e.g. there can be three sectors for the cell site components—alpha,beta, and gamma. The antennas 30 are used to both transmit a radiosignal to a mobile device and receive the signal from the mobile device.The antennas 30 are usually deployed as a single, groups of two, threeor even four per sector. The higher the frequency of spectrum supportedby the antenna 30, the shorter the antenna 30. For example, the antennas30 may operate around 850 MHz, 1.9 GHz, and the like. The set 26includes a microwave dish 32 which can be used to provide other types ofwireless connectivity, besides cellular service. There may be otherembodiments where the cell tower 12 is omitted and replaced with othertypes of elevated structures such as roofs, water tanks, etc.

§2.0 Cell Site Audits Via UAV

Referring to FIG. 2, in an exemplary embodiment, a diagram illustrates acell site audit 40 performed with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 50.As described herein, the cell site audit 40 is used by serviceproviders, third party engineering companies, tower operators, etc. tocheck and ensure proper installation, maintenance, and operation of thecell site components 14 and shelter or cabinet 52 equipment as well asthe various interconnections between them. From a physical accessibilityperspective, the cell tower 12 includes a climbing mechanism 54 fortower climbers to access the cell site components 14. FIG. 2 includes aperspective view of the cell site 10 with the sets 20, 26 of the cellsite components 14. The cell site components 14 for the set 20 includethree sectors—alpha sector 54, beta sector 56, and gamma sector 58.

In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV 50 is utilized to perform the cellsite audit 40 in lieu of a tower climber access the cell site components14 via the climbing mechanism 54. In the cell site audit 40, anengineer/technician is local to the cell site 10 to perform varioustasks. The systems and methods described herein eliminate a need for theengineer/technician to climb the cell tower 12. Of note, it is stillimportant for the engineer/technician to be local to the cell site 10 asvarious aspects of the cell site audit 40 cannot be done remotely asdescribed herein. Furthermore, the systems and methods described hereinprovide an ability for a single engineer/technician to perform the cellsite audit 40 without another person handling the UAV 50 or a personwith a pilot's license operating the UAV 50 as described herein.

§2.1 Cell Site Audit

In general, the cell site audit 40 is performed to gather informationand identify a state of the cell site 10. This is used to check theinstallation, maintenance, and/or operation of the cell site 10. Variousaspects of the cell site audit 40 can include, without limitation:

Verify the cell site 10 is built according to a current revision VerifyEquipment Labeling Verify Coax Cable (“Coax”) Bend Radius Verify CoaxColor Coding/Tagging Check for Coax External Kinks & Dents Verify CoaxGround Kits Verify Coax Hanger/Support Verify Coax Jumpers Verify CoaxSize Check for Connector Stress & Distortion Check for ConnectorWeatherproofing Verify Correct Duplexers/Diplexers Installed VerifyDuplexer/Diplexer Mounting Verify Duplexers/Diplexers InstalledCorrectly Verify Fiber Paper Verify Lacing & Tie Wraps Check for LooseOr Cross-Threaded Coax Connectors Verify Return (“Ret”) Cables VerifyRet Connectors Verify Ret Grounding Verify Ret Installation Verify RetLightning Protection Unit (LPI) Check for Shelter/Cabinet PenetrationsVerify Surge Arrestor Installation/Grounding Verify Site CleanlinessVerify LTE GPS Antenna Installation

Of note, the cell site audit 40 includes gathering information at andinside the shelter or cabinet 52, on the cell tower 12, and at the cellsite components 14. Note, it is not possible to perform all of the aboveitems solely with the UAV 50 or remotely.

§3.0 Piloting the UAV at the Cell Site

It is important to note that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)is in the process of regulating commercial UAV (drone) operation. It isexpected that these regulations would not be complete until 2016 or2017. In terms of these regulations, commercial operation of the UAV 50,which would include the cell site audit 40, requires at least twopeople, one acting as a spotter and one with a pilot's license. Theseregulations, in the context of the cell site audit 40, would make use ofthe UAV 50 impractical. To that end, the systems and methods describedherein propose operation of the UAV 50 under FAA exemptions which allowthe cell site audit 40 to occur without requiring two people and withoutrequiring a pilot's license. Here, the UAV 50 is constrained to fly upand down at the cell site 10 and within a three-dimensional (3D)rectangle at the cell site components. These limitations on the flightpath of the UAV 50 make the use of the UAV 50 feasible at the cell site10.

Referring to FIG. 3, in an exemplary embodiment, a screen diagramillustrates a view of a graphical user interface (GUI) 60 on a mobiledevice 100 while piloting the UAV 50. The GUI 60 provides a real-timeview to the engineer/technician piloting the UAV 50. That is, a screen62 provides a view from a camera on the UAV 50. As shown in FIG. 3, thecell site 10 is shown with the cell site components 14 in the view ofthe screen 62. Also, the GUI 60 have various controls 64, 66. Thecontrols 64 are used to pilot the UAV 50 and the controls 66 are used toperform functions in the cell site audit 40 and the like.

§3.1 FAA Regulations

The FAA is overwhelmed with applications from companies interested inflying drones, but the FAA is intent on keeping the skies safe.Currently, approved exemptions for flying drones include tight rules.Once approved, there is some level of certification for drone operatorsalong with specific rules such as, speed limit of 100 mph, heightlimitations such as 400 ft, no-fly zones, day only operation,documentation, and restrictions on aerial filming. Accordingly, flightat or around cell towers is constrained and the systems and methodsdescribed herein fully comply with the relevant restrictions associatedwith drone flights from the FAA.

§4.0 Exemplary Hardware

Referring to FIG. 4, in an exemplary embodiment, a perspective viewillustrates an exemplary UAV 50 for use with the systems and methodsdescribed herein. Again, the UAV 50 may be referred to as a drone or thelike. The UAV 50 may be a commercially available UAV platform that hasbeen modified to carry specific electronic components as describedherein to implement the various systems and methods. The UAV 50 includesrotors 80 attached to a body 82. A lower frame 84 is located on a bottomportion of the body 82, for landing the UAV 50 to rest on a flat surfaceand absorb impact during landing. The UAV 50 also includes a camera 86which is used to take still photographs, video, and the like.Specifically, the camera 86 is used to provide the real-time display onthe screen 62. The UAV 50 includes various electronic components insidethe body 82 and/or the camera 86 such as, without limitation, aprocessor, a data store, memory, a wireless interface, and the like.Also, the UAV 50 can include additional hardware, such as robotic armsor the like that allow the UAV 50 to attach/detach components for thecell site components 14. Specifically, it is expected that the UAV 50will get bigger and more advanced, capable of carrying significantloads, and not just a wireless camera. The present disclosurecontemplates using the UAV 50 for various aspects at the cell site 10,including participating in construction or deconstruction of the celltower 12, the cell site components 14, etc.

These various components are now described with reference to a mobiledevice 100. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize the UAV 50can include similar components to the mobile device 100. Of note, theUAV 50 and the mobile device 100 can be used cooperatively to performvarious aspects of the cell site audit 40 described herein. In otherembodiments, the UAV 50 can be operated with a controller instead of themobile device 100. The mobile device 100 may solely be used forreal-time video from the camera 86 such as via a wireless connection(e.g., IEEE 802.11 or variants thereof). Some portions of the cell siteaudit 40 can be performed with the UAV 50, some with the mobile device100, and others solely by the operator though visual inspection. In someembodiments, all of the aspects can be performed in the UAV 50. In otherembodiments, the UAV 50 solely relays data to the mobile device 100which performs all of the aspects. Other embodiments are alsocontemplated.

Referring to FIG. 5, in an exemplary embodiment, a block diagramillustrates a mobile device 100, which may be used for the cell siteaudit 40 or the like. The mobile device 100 can be a digital devicethat, in terms of hardware architecture, generally includes a processor102, input/output (I/O) interfaces 104, wireless interfaces 106, a datastore 108, and memory 110. It should be appreciated by those of ordinaryskill in the art that FIG. 5 depicts the mobile device 100 in anoversimplified manner, and a practical embodiment may include additionalcomponents and suitably configured processing logic to support known orconventional operating features that are not described in detail herein.The components (102, 104, 106, 108, and 102) are communicatively coupledvia a local interface 112. The local interface 112 can be, for examplebut not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wirelessconnections, as is known in the art. The local interface 112 can haveadditional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such ascontrollers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, amongmany others, to enable communications. Further, the local interface 112may include address, control, and/or data connections to enableappropriate communications among the aforementioned components.

The processor 102 is a hardware device for executing softwareinstructions. The processor 102 can be any custom made or commerciallyavailable processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliaryprocessor among several processors associated with the mobile device100, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip orchip set), or generally any device for executing software instructions.When the mobile device 100 is in operation, the processor 102 isconfigured to execute software stored within the memory 110, tocommunicate data to and from the memory 110, and to generally controloperations of the mobile device 100 pursuant to the softwareinstructions. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 102 may includea mobile optimized processor such as optimized for power consumption andmobile applications. The I/O interfaces 104 can be used to receive userinput from and/or for providing system output. User input can beprovided via, for example, a keypad, a touch screen, a scroll ball, ascroll bar, buttons, bar code scanner, and the like. System output canbe provided via a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD),touch screen, and the like. The I/O interfaces 104 can also include, forexample, a serial port, a parallel port, a small computer systeminterface (SCSI), an infrared (IR) interface, a radio frequency (RF)interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and the like. The I/Ointerfaces 104 can include a graphical user interface (GUI) that enablesa user to interact with the mobile device 100. Additionally, the I/Ointerfaces 104 may further include an imaging device, i.e. camera, videocamera, etc.

The wireless interfaces 106 enable wireless communication to an externalaccess device or network. Any number of suitable wireless datacommunication protocols, techniques, or methodologies can be supportedby the wireless interfaces 106, including, without limitation: RF; IrDA(infrared); Bluetooth; ZigBee (and other variants of the IEEE 802.15protocol); IEEE 802.11 (any variation); IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX or any othervariation); Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum; Frequency Hopping SpreadSpectrum; Long Term Evolution (LTE); cellular/wireless/cordlesstelecommunication protocols (e.g. 3G/4G, etc.); wireless home networkcommunication protocols; paging network protocols; magnetic induction;satellite data communication protocols; wireless hospital or health carefacility network protocols such as those operating in the WMTS bands;GPRS; proprietary wireless data communication protocols such as variantsof Wireless USB; and any other protocols for wireless communication. Thewireless interfaces 106 can be used to communicate with the UAV 50 forcommand and control as well as to relay data therebetween. The datastore 108 may be used to store data. The data store 108 may include anyof volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such asDRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, and the like)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g.,ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, and the like), and combinations thereof.Moreover, the data store 108 may incorporate electronic, magnetic,optical, and/or other types of storage media.

The memory 110 may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., randomaccess memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), nonvolatilememory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, etc.), and combinations thereof.Moreover, the memory 110 may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical,and/or other types of storage media. Note that the memory 110 may have adistributed architecture, where various components are situated remotelyfrom one another, but can be accessed by the processor 102. The softwarein memory 110 can include one or more software programs, each of whichincludes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementinglogical functions. In the example of FIG. 5, the software in the memory110 includes a suitable operating system (O/S) 114 and programs 116. Theoperating system 114 essentially controls the execution of othercomputer programs, and provides scheduling, input-output control, fileand data management, memory management, and communication control andrelated services. The programs 116 may include various applications,add-ons, etc. configured to provide end user functionality with themobile device 100, including performing various aspects of the systemsand methods described herein.

It will be appreciated that some exemplary embodiments described hereinmay include one or more generic or specialized processors (“one or moreprocessors”) such as microprocessors, digital signal processors,customized processors, and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) andunique stored program instructions (including both software andfirmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, inconjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all ofthe functions of the methods and/or systems described herein.Alternatively, some or all functions may be implemented by a statemachine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or moreapplication specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each functionor some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented ascustom logic. Of course, a combination of the aforementioned approachesmay be used. Moreover, some exemplary embodiments may be implemented asa non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computerreadable code stored thereon for programming a computer, server,appliance, device, etc. each of which may include a processor to performmethods as described and claimed herein. Examples of suchcomputer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, ahard disk, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM(Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM(Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (ElectricallyErasable Programmable Read Only Memory), Flash memory, and the like.When stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium, software caninclude instructions executable by a processor that, in response to suchexecution, cause a processor or any other circuitry to perform a set ofoperations, steps, methods, processes, algorithms, etc.

§4.1 RF Sensors in the UAV

In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV 50 can also include one or more RFsensors disposed therein. The RF sensors can be any device capable ofmaking wireless measurements related to signals associated with the cellsite components 14, i.e., the antennas. In an exemplary embodiment, theUAV 50 can be further configured to fly around a cell zone associatedwith the cell site 10 to identify wireless coverage through variousmeasurements associated with the RF sensors.

§5.0 Cell Site Audit with UAV and/or Mobile Device

Referring to FIG. 6, in an exemplary embodiment, a flow chartillustrates a cell site audit method 200 utilizing the UAV 50 and themobile device 100. Again, in various exemplary embodiments, the cellsite audit 40 can be performed with the UAV 50 and the mobile device100. In other exemplary embodiments, the cell site audit 40 can beperformed with the UAV 50 and an associated controller. In otherembodiments, the mobile device 100 is solely used to relay real-timevideo from the camera 86. While the steps of the cell site audit method200 are listed sequentially, those of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize some or all of the steps may be performed in a differentorder. The cell site audit method 200 includes an engineer/technician ata cell site with the UAV 50 and the mobile device 100 (step 202). Again,one aspect of the systems and methods described herein is usage of theUAV 50, in a commercial setting, but with constraints such that only oneoperator is required and such that the operator does not have to hold apilot's license. As described herein, the constraints can include flightof the UAV 50 at or near the cell site 10 only, a flight pattern up anddown in a 3D rectangle at the cell tower 12, a maximum heightrestriction (e.g., 500 feet or the like), and the like. For example, thecell site audit 40 is performed by one of i) a single operator flyingthe UAV 50 without a license or ii) two operators including one with alicense and one to spot the UAV 50.

The engineer/technician performs one or more aspects of the cell siteaudit 40 without the UAV 50 (step 204). Note, there are many aspects ofthe cell site audit 40 as described herein. It is not possible for theUAV 50 to perform all of these items such that the engineer/techniciancould be remote from the cell site 10. For example, access to theshelter or cabinet 52 for audit purposes requires theengineer/technician to be local. In this step, the engineer/techniciancan perform any audit functions as described herein that do not requireclimbing.

The engineer/technician can cause the UAV 50 to fly up the cell tower 12or the like to view cell site components 14 (step 206). Again, thisflight can be based on the constraints, and the flight can be through acontroller and/or the mobile device 100. The UAV 50 and/or the mobiledevice 100 can collect data associated with the cell site components 14(step 208), and process the collected data to obtain information for thecell site audit 40 (step 210). As described herein, the UAV 50 and themobile device 100 can be configured to collect data via video and/orphotographs. The engineer/technician can use this collected data toperform various aspects of the cell site audit 40 with the UAV 50 andthe mobile device 100 and without a tower climb.

The foregoing descriptions detail specific aspects of the cell siteaudit 40 using the UAV 50 and the mobile device 100. In these aspects,data can be collected—generally, the data is video or photographs of thecell site components 14. The processing of the data can be automatedthrough the UAV 50 and/or the mobile device 100 to compute certain itemsas described herein. Also, the processing of the data can be performedeither at the cell site 10 or afterwards by the engineer/technician.

In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV 50 can be a commercial,“off-the-shelf” drone with a Wi-Fi enabled camera for the camera 86.Here, the UAV 50 is flown with a controller pad which can include ajoystick or the like. Alternatively, the UAV 50 can be flown with themobile device 100, such as with an app installed on the mobile device100 configured to control the UAV 50. The Wi-Fi enable camera isconfigured to communicate with the mobile device 100—to both displayreal-time video and audio as well as to capture photos and/or videoduring the cell site audit 40 for immediate processing or for laterprocessing to gather relevant information about the cell site components14 for the cell site audit 40.

In another exemplary embodiment, the UAV 50 can be a so-called “drone ina box” which is preprogrammed/configured to fly a certain route, such asbased on the flight constraints described herein. The “drone in a box”can be physically transported to the cell site 10 or actually locatedthere. The “drone in a box” can be remotely controlled as well.

§5.1 Antenna Down Tilt Angle

In an exemplary aspect of the cell site audit 40, the UAV 50 and/or themobile device 100 can be used to determine a down tilt angle ofindividual antennas 30 of the cell site components 14. The down tiltangle can be determined for all of the antennas 30 in all of the sectors54, 56, 58. The down tilt angle is the mechanical (external) down tiltof the antennas 30 relative to a support bar 200. In the cell site audit40, the down tilt angle is compared against an expected value, such asfrom a Radio Frequency (RF) data sheet, and the comparison may check toensure the mechanical (external) down tilt is within ±1.0° ofspecification on the RF data sheet.

Using the UAV 50 and/or the mobile device 100, the down tilt angle isdetermined from a photo taken from the camera 86. In an exemplaryembodiment, the UAV 50 and/or the mobile device 100 is configured tomeasure three points—two defined by the antenna 30 and one by thesupport bar 200 to determine the down tilt angle of the antenna 30. Forexample, the down tilt angle can be determined visually from the side ofthe antenna 30—measuring a triangle formed by a top of the antenna 30, abottom of the antenna 30, and the support bar 200.

§5.2 Antenna Plumb

In an exemplary aspect of the cell site audit 40 and similar todetermining the down tilt angle, the UAV 50 and/or the mobile device 100can be used to visually inspect the antenna 30 including its mountingbrackets and associated hardware. This can be done to verify appropriatehardware installation, to verify the hardware is not loose or missing,and to verify that antenna 30 is plumb relative to the support bar 200.

§5.3 Antenna Azimuth

In an exemplary aspect of the cell site audit 40, the UAV 50 and/or themobile device 100 can be used to verify the antenna azimuth, such asverifying the antenna azimuth is oriented within ±5° as defined on theRF data sheet. The azimuth (AZ) angle is the compass bearing, relativeto true (geographic) north, of a point on the horizon directly beneathan observed object. Here, the UAV 50 and/or the mobile device 100 caninclude a location determining device such as a Global PositioningSatellite (GPS) measurement device. The antenna azimuth can bedetermined with the UAV 50 and/or the mobile device 100 using an aerialphoto or the GPS measurement device.

§5.4 Photo Collections

As part of the cell site audit 40 generally, the UAV 50 and/or themobile device 100 can be used to document various aspects of the cellsite 10 by taking photos or video. For example, the mobile device 100can be used to take photos or video on the ground in or around theshelter or cabinet 52 and the UAV 500 can be used to take photos orvideo up the cell tower 12 and of the cell site components 14. Thephotos and video can be stored in any of the UAV 50, the mobile device100, the cloud, etc.

In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV can also hover at the cell site 10and provide real-time video footage back to the mobile device 100 oranother location (for example, a Network Operations Center (NOC) or thelike).

§5.5 Compound Length/Width

The UAV 50 can be used to fly over the cell site 10 to measure theoverall length and width of the cell site 10 compound from overheadphotos. In one aspect, the UAV 50 can use GPS positioning to detect thelength and width by flying over the cell site 10. In another aspect, theUAV 50 can take overhead photos which can be processed to determine theassociated length and width of the cell site 10.

§5.6 Data Capture—Cell Site Audit

The UAV 50 can be used to capture various pieces of data via the camera86. That is, with the UAV 50 and the mobile device 100, the camera 86 isequivalent to the engineer/technician's own eyes, thereby eliminatingthe need for the engineer/technician to physically climb the tower. Oneimportant aspect of the cell site audit 40 is physically collectingvarious pieces of information—either to check records for consistency orto establish a record. For example, the data capture can includedetermining equipment module types, locations, connectivity, serialnumbers, etc. from photos. The data capture can include determiningphysical dimensions from photos or from GPS such as the cell tower 12height, width, depth, etc. The data capture can also include visualinspection of any aspect of the cell site 10, cell tower 12, cell sitecomponents 14, etc. including, but not limited to, physicalcharacteristics, mechanical connectivity, cable connectivity, and thelike.

The data capture can also include checking the lighting rod 16 and thewarning light 18 on the cell tower 12. Also, with additional equipmenton the UAV 50, the UAV 50 can be configured to perform maintenance suchas replacing the warning light 18, etc. The data capture can alsoinclude checking maintenance status of the cell site components 14visually as well as checking associated connection status. Anotheraspect of the cell site audit 40 can include checking structuralintegrity of the cell tower 12 and the cell site components 14 viaphotos from the UAV 50.

§5.7 Flying the UAV at the Cell Site

In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV 50 can be programmed toautomatically fly to a location and remain there without requiring theoperator to control the UAV 50 in real-time, at the cell site 10. Inthis scenario, the UAV 50 can be stationary at a location in the air atthe cell site 10. Here, various functionality can be incorporated in theUAV 50 as described herein. Note, this aspect leverages the ability tofly the UAV 50 commercially based on the constraints described herein.That is, the UAV 50 can be used to fly around the cell tower 12, togather data associated with the cell site components 14 for the varioussectors 54, 56, 58. Also, the UAV 50 can be used to hover around thecell tower 12, to provide additional functionality described as follows.

§5.8 Video/Photo Capture—Cell Site

With the UAV 50 available to operate at the cell site 10, the UAV 50 canalso be used to capture video/photos while hovering. This applicationuses the UAV 50 as a mobile video camera to capture activity at oraround the cell site 10 from the air. It can be used to document work atthe cell site 10 or to investigate the cell site 10 responsive toproblems, e.g. tower collapse. It can be used to take surveillance videoof surrounding locations such as service roads leading to the cell site10, etc.

§5.9 Wireless Service Via the UAV

Again, with the ability to fly at the cell site 10, subject to theconstraints, the UAV 50 can be used to provide temporary or evenpermanent wireless service at the cell site. This is performed with theaddition of wireless service-related components to the UAV 50. In thetemporary mode, the UAV 50 can be used to provide service over a shorttime period, such as responding to an outage or other disaster affectingthe cell site 10. Here, an operator can cause the UAV 50 to fly wherethe cell site components 14 are and provide such service. The UAV 50 canbe equipped with wireless antennas to provide cell service, WirelessLocal Area Network (WLAN) service, or the like. The UAV 50 caneffectively operate as a temporary tower or small cell as needed.

In the permanent mode, the UAV 50 (along with other UAVs 50) canconstantly be in the air at the cell site 10 providing wireless service.This can be done similar to the temporary mode, but over a longer timeperiod. The UAV 50 can be replaced over a predetermined time to refuelor the like. The replacement can be another UAV 50. The UAV 50 caneffectively operate as a permanent tower or small cell as needed.

§6.0 Flying the UAV from Cell Site to Another Cell Site

As described herein, the flight constraints include operating the UAV 50vertically in a defined 3D rectangle at the cell site 10. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the flight constraints can be expanded to allowthe 3D rectangle at the cell site 10 as well as horizontal operationbetween adjacent cell sites 10. Referring to FIG. 7, in an exemplaryembodiment, a network diagram illustrates various cell sites 10 a-10 edeployed in a geographic region 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV50 is configured to operate as described herein, such as in FIG. 2, inthe vertical 3D rectangular flight pattern, as well as in a horizontalflight pattern between adjacent cell sites 10. Here, the UAV 50 iscleared to fly, without the commercial regulations, between the adjacentcell sites 10.

In this manner, the UAV 50 can be used to perform the cell site audits40 at multiple locations—note, the UAV 50 does not need to land andphysically be transported to the adjacent cell sites 10. Additionally,the fact that the FAA will allow exemptions to fly the UAV 50 at thecell site 10 and between adjacent cell sites 10 can create aninterconnected mesh network of allowable flight paths for the UAV 50.Here, the UAV 50 can be used for other purposes besides those related tothe cell site 10. That is, the UAV 50 can be flown in any application,independent of the cell sites 10, but without requiring FAA regulation.The applications can include, without limitation, a drone deliverynetwork, a drone surveillance network, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 7, the UAV 50, at the cell site 10 a, can be flown toany of the other cell sites 10 b-10 e along flight paths 302. Due to thefact that cell sites 10 are numerous and diversely deployed in thegeographic region 300, an ability to fly the UAV 50 at the cell sites 10and between adjacent cell sites 10 creates an opportunity to fly the UAV50 across the geographic region 300, for numerous applications.

§7.0 UAV and Cell Towers

Additionally, the systems and methods describe herein contemplatepractically any activity at the cell site 10 using the UAV 50 in lieu ofa tower climb. This can include, without limitation, any tower auditwork with the UAV 50, any tower warranty work with the UAV 50, any toweroperational ready work with the UAV 50, any tower construction with theUAV 50, any tower decommissioning/deconstruction with the UAV 50, anytower modifications with the UAV 50, and the like.

§8.0 Tethered UAV Systems and Methods

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, in an exemplary embodiment, diagramsillustrate a cell site 10 for illustrating the UAV 50 and associatedtethered UAV systems and methods. Specifically, FIGS. 8 and 9 is similarto FIG. 2, but here, the UAV 50 is tethered at or near the cell site 10via a connection 400. The connection 400 can include a cable, a rope, apower cable, a communications cable, a fiber optic cable, etc., i.e.,any connection with strength to constrain the UAV 50 to the cell site10. In an exemplary embodiment in FIG. 8, the connection 400 is tetheredto the top of the cell tower 12, such as at the cell site components 14or at one of the alpha sector 54, beta sector 56, and gamma sector 58.In another exemplary embodiment in FIG. 8, the connection 400 istethered to the cell tower 12 itself, such as at any point between thebase and the top of the cell tower 12. In a further exemplary embodimentin FIG. 8, the connection 400 is tethered to the bottom of the cell site10, such as at the shelter or cabinet 52 or a base of the cell tower 12.Specifically, in FIG. 8, the tethered configuration includes theconnection 400 coupled to some part of the cell tower 12 or the like.

In FIG. 9, the tethered configuration includes the connection 400coupled to something that is not part of the cell tower 12, such as aconnection point 401, i.e., in FIG. 9, the UAV 50 is tethered at or nearthe cell site 10 and, in FIG. 8, the UAV 50 is tethered at the celltower 12. In various exemplary embodiments, the connection point 401 caninclude, without limitation, a stake, a pole, a weight, a fence, acommunications device, a wireless radio, a building or other structure,or any other device or object at or near the cell site 12. As describedherein, the UAV 50 is in a tethered configuration where the UAV 50 iscoupled at or near the cell site 10 via the connection 400.

In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV 50 can be housed or located at ornear the cell site 10, connected via the connection 400, and stored inhousings 402, 404, for example. The housings 402, 404 are shown forillustration purposes, and different locations are also contemplated.The housing 402 is on the cell tower 12, and the housing 404 is at orpart of the shelter or cabinet 52. In operation, the UAV 50 isconfigured to selectively enter/exit the housing 402, 404. Theconnection 400 can be tethered to or near the housing 402, 404. Thehousing 402, 404 can include a door that selectively opens/closes.Alternatively, the housing 402, 404 includes an opening where the UAV 50enters and exits. The housing 402, 404 can be used to store the UAV 50while not in operation.

One unique aspect of the tethered configuration described herein, i.e.,the UAV 50 with the connection 400, is that the UAV 50 can now be viewedas an attached device to the cell site 10, and not a free-flying drone.Advantageously, such a configuration can avoid airspace regulations orrestrictions. Furthermore, with the connection 400 providing powerand/or data connectivity, the UAV 50 contemplates extended periods oftime for operation.

As costs decrease, it is feasible to deploy the UAV 50 with theconnections 400 and optionally the housing 402, 404 at all cell sites10. The UAV 50 with the connection 400 contemplates implementing all ofthe same functionality described herein with respect to FIGS. 1-6.Specifically, the UAV 50 with the connection 400 can be used to performthe cell site audit 40 and the like as well as other features. Also, theUAV 50 with the connection 400 is ideal to act as a wireless accesspoint for wireless service. Here, the connection 400 can provide dataand/or power, and be used for 1) additional capacity as needed or 2) aprotection antenna to support active components in the cell sitecomponents 14 that fail. The UAV 50 with the connection 400 can be usedto support overflow capacity as well as needed, providing LTE, WLAN,WiMAX, or any other wireless connectivity. Alternatively, the UAV 50 canbe used as an alternative service provider to provide wireless access atthe cell site 10 without requiring antennas on the cell tower 12.

Referring to FIG. 8, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchart illustratesa method 500 with a tethered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) associatedwith a cell site. The method 500 includes causing the UAV to fly at ornear the cell site while the UAV is tethered at or near the cell sitevia a connection, wherein flight of the UAV at or near the cell site isconstrained based on the connection (step 502); and performing one ormore functions via the UAV at or near the cell site while the UAV isflying tethered at or near the cell site (step 504).

The method 500 can further include transferring power and/or data to andfrom the UAV via the connection (step 506). The connection can includeone or more of a cable, a rope, a power cable, a communications cable,and a fiber optic cable. The one or more functions can include functionsrelated to a cell site audit. The one or more functions can includefunctions related to providing wireless service via the UAV at the cellsite, wherein data and/or power is transferred between the UAV and thecell site to perform the wireless service. The one or more functions caninclude providing visual air traffic control via one or more cameras onthe UAV. The method 500 can further include storing the UAV at the cellsite in a housing while the UAV is not in use. The UAV can be configuredto fly extended periods at the cell site utilizing power from theconnection, where the extended periods are longer than if the UAV didnot have power from the connection. The connection can be configured toconstrain a flight path of the UAV at the cell site.

In another exemplary embodiment, a tethered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(UAV) associated with a cell site includes one or more rotors disposedto a body, wherein the body is tethered to the cell site via aconnection; a camera associated with the body; wireless interfaces; aprocessor coupled to the wireless interfaces and the camera; and memorystoring instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to:process commands to cause the one or more rotors to fly the UAV at thecell site while the UAV is tethered to the cell site via the connection,wherein flight of the UAV at the cell site is constrained based on theconnection; and perform one or more functions via the UAV at the cellsite while the UAV is flying tethered to the cell site, utilizing one ormore of the camera and the wireless interfaces.

§8.1 Tethered UAV Systems and Methods—Visual Air Traffic Control

In an exemplary embodiment, the tethered UAV 50 can be configured toprovide visual air traffic control such as for other UAVs or drones.Here, various tethered UAVs 50 can be deployed across a geographicregion at various cell sites 10 and each UAV 50 can have one or morecameras that can provide a 360 degree view around the cell site 10. Thisconfiguration essentially creates a drone air traffic control systemthat could be monitored and controlled by Network Control Center (NOC).Specifically, the UAV 50 can be communicatively coupled to the NOC, suchas via the connection 400. The NOC can provide the video feeds of otherdrones to third parties (e.g., Amazon) and other drone users to complywith current FAA regulations that require eyes on drones at all times.

§9.0 UAV Systems and Methods Using Robotic Arms or the Like

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, in an exemplary embodiment, diagramsillustrate a cell site 10 for illustrating the UAV 50 and associated UAVsystems and methods with robotic arms for performing operationsassociated with the cell site components 14. Specifically, FIGS. 11 and12 is similar to FIG. 2 (and FIGS. 8 and 9), but here, the UAV 50 isequipped with one or more robotic arms 600 for carrying payload 602and/or performing operations associated with the cell site components 14on the cell tower 12. Since the robotic arms 600 and the payload 602 addweight and complexity when maneuvering, the systems and methods includea connection 604 between the UAV 50 and the cell tower 12 whichphysically supports the UAV 50 at the cell site components 14. In thismanner, there are no counterbalance requirements for the UAV 50 for therobotic arms 600 and the payload 602. In another exemplary embodiment,the connection 604 can also provide power to the UAV 50 in addition tophysically supporting the UAV 50. That is, the connection 604 is adaptedto provide power to the UAV 50 when connected thereto. Specifically, therobotic arms 600 could require a large amount of power, which can comefrom a power source connected through the connection 604 to the UAV. Inan exemplary embodiment, the UAV 50, once physically connected to theconnection 604, can shut off the flight and local power components andoperate the robotic arms 600 via power from the connection 604.

In another exemplary embodiment, the UAV 50 with the robotic arms 600can utilize the tethered configuration where the UAV 50 is coupled at ornear the cell site 10 via the connection 400. Here, the UAV 50 can useboth the connection 400 for a tether and the connection 604 for physicalsupport/stability when at the cell tower 12 where operations are needed.Here, the connection 400 can be configured to provide power to the UAV50 as well. The UAV 50 can also fly up the connection 400 from theground that supplies power and any other functions such as a video feedup or down. The tethered UAV 500 attaches itself to the cell tower 12via the connection 604, shuts off rotors, engages the robotic arms 600and then does work, but in this case the power for those robotic arms600 as well as the rotors comes from a power feed in the connection 400that is going down to the ground. The UAV 50 also may or may not have abattery and it may or may not be used.

The UAV 50 with the robotic arms 600 is configured to fly up the celltower 12, with or without the payload 602. For example, with the payload602, the UAV 50 can be used to bring components to the cell sitecomponents 14, flying up the cell tower 12. Without the payload 602, theUAV 50 is flown to the top with the robotic arms 600 for performingoperations on the cell tower 12 and the cell site components 14. In bothcases, the UAV 50 is configured to fly up the cell tower 12, includingusing all of the constraints described herein. During flight, the UAV 50with the robotic arms 600 and with or without the payload 602 does nothave a counterbalance issue because the robotic arms 600 and the payload602 are fixed, i.e., stationary. That is, the UAV 50 flies withoutmovement of the robotic arms 600 or the payload 603 during the flight.

Once the UAV 50 reaches a desired location on the cell tower 12, the UAV50 is configured to physically connect via the connection 604 to thecell tower 12, the cell site components 14, or the like. Specifically,via the connection 604, the UAV 50 is configured to be physicallysupported without the rotors 80 or the like operating. That is, via theconnection 604, the UAV 50 is physically supporting without flying,thereby eliminating the counterbalancing problems. Once the connection604 is established and the UAV 50 flight components are disengaged, therobotic arms 600 and the payload 602 can be moved, manipulated, etc.without having balancing problems that have to be compensated by theflight components. This is because the connection 604 bears the weightof the UAV 50, allowing any movement by the robotic arms 600 and/or thepayload 602.

In an exemplary embodiment, the connection 604 includes a grappling armthat extends from the UAV 50 and physically attaches to the cell tower12, such as a grappling hook or the like. In another exemplaryembodiment, the connection 604 includes an arm located on the cell tower12 that physically connects to a connection point in the UAV 50. Ofcourse, the systems and methods contemplate various connectiontechniques for the connection 604. The connection 604 has to be strongenough to support the weight of the UAV 50, the robotic arms 600, andthe payload 602.

In an exemplary embodiment, the UAV 50 can carry the payload 602 up thecell tower 12. The payload 602 can include wireless components, cables,nuts/bolts, antennas, supports, braces, lighting rods, lighting,electronics, RF equipment, combinations thereof, and the like. That is,the payload 602 can be anything associated with the cell site components14. With the robotic arms 600, the UAV 500 can be used to performoperations associated with the payload 602. The operations can include,without limitation, installing cables, installing nuts/bolts tostructures or components, installing antennas, installing supports orbraces, installing lighting rods, installing electronic or RF equipment,etc.

In another exemplary embodiment, the UAV 50 does not include the payload602 and instead uses the robotic arms 600 to perform operations onexisting cell site components 14. Here, the UAV 50 is flown up the cellsite 12 and connected to the connection 604. Once connected and theflight components disengaged, the UAV 50 can include manipulation of therobotic arms 600 to perform operations on the cell site components 14.The operations can include, without limitation, manipulating cables,removing/tightening nuts/bolts to structures or components, adjustingantennas, adjusting lighting rods, replacing bulbs in lighting,opening/closing electronic or RF equipment, etc.

Referring to FIG. 13, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a method 700 with a UAV with robotic arms at a cell site.The method 700 contemplates operation with the UAV 50 with the roboticarms 600 and optionally with the payload 602. The method 700 includescausing the UAV to fly at or near the cell site, wherein the UAVincludes one or more manipulable arms which are stationary during flight(step 702); physically connecting the UAV to a structure at the cellsite and disengaging flight components associated with the UAV (step704); and performing one or more functions via the one or moremanipulable arms while the UAV is physically connected to the structure,wherein the one or more manipulable arms move while the UAV isphysically connected to the structure (step 706). The method 700 canfurther include utilizing the one or more manipulable arms to providepayload to a cell tower at the cell site, wherein the payload isstationary in the one or more manipulable arms during flight (step 708).The payload can include any of wireless components, cables, nuts/bolts,antennas, supports, braces, lighting rods, lighting, electronics, andcombinations thereof. The method 700 can further include utilizing theone or more manipulable arms to perform operations on a cell tower atthe cell site (step 710). The operations can include any of installingwireless components, installing cables, installing nuts/bolts,installing antennas, installing supports, installing braces, installinglighting rods, installing lighting, installing electronics, andcombinations thereof. The physically connecting can include extending agrappling arm from the UAV to attach to the structure. The physicallyconnecting can include connecting the UAV to an arm extending from thestructure which is connectable to the UAV. The physically connecting canbe via a connection which bears weight of the UAV, enabling movement ofthe one or more manipulable arms without requiring counterbalancing ofthe UAV due to the movement while the UAV is in flight.

§10.0 Cell Site Operations

There are generally two entities associated with cell sites—cell siteowners and cell site operators. Generally, cell site owners can beviewed as real estate property owners and managers. Typical cell siteowners may have a vast number of cell sites, such as tens of thousands,geographically dispersed. The cell site owners are generally responsiblefor the real estate, ingress and egress, structures on site, the celltower itself, etc. Cell site operators generally include wirelessservice providers who generally lease space on the cell tower and in thestructures for antennas and associated wireless backhaul equipment.There are other entities that may be associated with cell sites as wellincluding engineering firms, installation contractors, and the like. Allof these entities have a need for the various UAV-based systems andmethods described herein. Specifically, cell site owners can use thesystems and methods for real estate management functions, auditfunctions, etc. Cell site operators can use the systems and methods forequipment audits, troubleshooting, site engineering, etc. Of course, thesystems and methods described herein can be provided by an engineeringfirm or the like contracted to any of the above entities or the like.The systems and methods described herein provide these entities timesavings, increased safety, better accuracy, lower cost, and the like.

§11.0 3D Modeling Systems and Methods with UAVs

Referring to FIG. 14, in an exemplary embodiment, a diagram illustratesthe cell site 10 and an associated launch configuration and flight forthe UAV 50 to obtain photos for a 3D model of the cell site 10. Again,the cell site 10, the cell tower 12, the cell site components 14, etc.are as described herein. To develop a 3D model, the UAV 50 is configuredto take various photos during flight, at different angles, orientations,heights, etc. to develop a 360 degree view. For post processing, it isimportant to accurately differentiate between different photos. Invarious exemplary embodiments, the systems and methods utilize accuratelocation tracking for each photo taken. It is important for accuratecorrelation between photos to enable construction of a 3D model from aplurality of 2D photos. The photos can all include multiple locationidentifiers (i.e., where the photo was taken from, height and exactlocation). In an exemplary embodiment, the photos can each include atleast two distinct location identifiers, such as from GPS or GLONASS.GLONASS is a “GLObal NAvigation Satellite System” which is a space-basedsatellite navigation system operating in the radionavigation-satelliteservice and used by the Russian Aerospace Defence Forces. It provides analternative to GPS and is the second alternative navigational system inoperation with global coverage and of comparable precision. The locationidentifiers are tagged or embedded to each photo and indicative of thelocation of the UAV 50 where and when the photo was taken. Theselocation identifiers are used with objects of interest identified in thephoto during post processing to create the 3D model.

In fact, it was determined that location identifier accuracy is veryimportant in the post processing for creating the 3D model. One suchdetermination was that there are slight inaccuracies in the locationidentifiers when the UAV 50 is launched from a different location and/ororientation. Thus, to provide further accuracy for the locationidentifiers, each flight of the UAV 50 is constrained to land and departfrom a same location and orientation. For example, future flights of thesame cell site 10 or additional flights at the same time when the UAV 50lands and, e.g., has a battery change. To ensure the same locationand/or orientation in subsequent flights at the cell site 10, a zoneindicator 800 is set at the cell site 10, such as on the ground via somemarking (e.g., chalk, rope, white powder, etc.). Each flight at the cellsite 10 for purposes of obtaining photos for 3D modeling is done usingthe zone indicator 800 to land and launch the UAV 50. Based onoperations, it was determined that using conventional UAVs 50, the zoneindicator 800 provides significant more accuracy in location identifierreadings. Accordingly, the photos are accurately identified relative toone another and able to create an extremely accurate 3D model of allphysical features of the cell site 10. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment,all UAV 50 flights are from a same launch point and orientation to avoidcalibration issues with any location identifier technique. The zoneindicator 800 can also be marked on the 3D model for future flights atthe cell site 10. Thus, the use of the zone indicator 800 for the samelaunch location and orientation along with the multiple locationindicators provide more precision in the coordinates for the UAV 50 tocorrelate the photos.

Note, in other exemplary embodiments, the zone indicator 800 may beomitted or the UAV 50 can launch from additional points, such that thedata used for the 3D model is only based on a single flight. The zoneindicator 800 is advantageous when data is collected over time or whenthere are landings in a flight.

Once the zone indicator 800 is established, the UAV 50 is placed thereinin a specific orientation (orientation is arbitrary so long as the sameorientation is continually maintained). The orientation refers to whichway the UAV 50 is facing at launch and landing. Once the UAV 50 is inthe zone indicator 800, the UAV 50 can be flown up (denoted by line 802)the cell tower 12. Note, the UAV 50 can use the aforementioned flightconstraints to conform to FAA regulations or exemptions. Once at acertain height and certain distance from the cell tower 12 and the cellsite components 14, the UAV 50 can take a circular or 360 degree flightpattern about the cell tower 12, including flying up as well as aroundthe cell tower 12 (denoted by line 804).

During the flight, the UAV 50 is configured to take various photos ofdifferent aspects of the cell site 10 including the cell tower 12, thecell site components 14, as well as surrounding area. These photos areeach tagged or embedded with multiple location identifiers. It has alsobeen determined that the UAV 50 should be flown at a certain distancebased on its camera capabilities to obtain the optimal photos, i.e., nottoo close or too far from objects of interest. The UAV 50 in a givenflight can take hundreds or even thousands of photos, each with theappropriate location identifiers. For an accurate 3D model, at leasthundreds of photos are required. The UAV 50 can be configured toautomatically take pictures are given intervals during the flight andthe flight can be a preprogrammed trajectory around the cell site 10.Alternatively, the photos can be manually taken based on operatorcommands. Of course, a combination is also contemplated. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the UAV 50 can include preprocessing capabilitieswhich monitor photos taken to determine a threshold after which enoughphotos have been taken to accurately construct the 3D model.

Referring to FIG. 15, in an exemplary embodiment, a satellite viewillustrates an exemplary flight of the UAV 50 at the cell site 10. Note,photos are taken at locations marked with circles in the satellite view.Note, the flight of the UAV 50 can be solely to construct the 3D modelor as part of the cell site audit 40 described herein. Also note, theexemplary flight allows photos at different locations, angles,orientations, etc. such that the 3D model not only includes the celltower 12, but also the surrounding geography.

Referring to FIG. 16, in an exemplary embodiment, a side viewillustrates an exemplary flight of the UAV 50 at the cell site 10.Similar to FIG. 15, FIG. 16 shows circles in the side view at locationswhere photos were taken. Note, photos are taken at different elevations,orientations, angles, and locations.

The photos are stored locally in the UAV 50 and/or transmittedwirelessly to a mobile device, controller, server, etc. Once the flightis complete and the photos are provided to an external device from theUAV 50 (e.g., mobile device, controller, server, cloud service, or thelike), post processing occurs to combine the photos or “stitch” themtogether to construct the 3D model. While described separately, the postprocessing could occur in the UAV 50 provided its computing power iscapable.

Referring to FIG. 17, in an exemplary embodiment, a logical diagramillustrates a portion of a cell tower 12 along with associated photostaken by the UAV 50 at different points relative thereto. Specifically,various 2D photos are logically shown at different locations relative tothe cell tower 12 to illustrate the location identifiers and thestitching together of the photos.

Referring to FIG. 18, in an exemplary embodiment, a screen shotillustrates a Graphic User Interface (GUI) associated with postprocessing photos from the UAV 50. Again, once the UAV 50 has completedtaking photos of the cell site 10, the photos are post processed to forma 3D model. The systems and methods contemplate any software programcapable of performing photogrammetry. In the example of FIG. 18, thereare 128 total photos. The post processing includes identifying visiblepoints across the multiple points, i.e., objects of interest. Forexample, the objects of interest can be any of the cell site components14, such as antennas. The post processing identifies the same object ofinterest across different photos, with their corresponding locationidentifiers, and builds a 3D model based on multiple 2D photos.

Referring to FIG. 19, in an exemplary embodiment, a screen shotillustrates a 3D model constructed from a plurality of 2D photos takenfrom the UAV 50 as described herein. Note, the 3D model can be displayedon a computer or another type of processing device, such as via anapplication, a Web browser, or the like. The 3D model supports zoom,pan, tilt, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 20-25, in various exemplary embodiments, variousscreen shots illustrate GUIs associated with a 3D model of a cell sitebased on photos taken from the UAV 50 as described herein. FIG. 20 is aGUI illustrating an exemplary measurement of an object, i.e., the celltower 12, in the 3D model. Specifically, using a point and clickoperation, one can click on two points such as the top and bottom of thecell tower and the 3D model can provide a measurement, e.g. 175′ in thisexample. FIG. 21 illustrates a close up view of a cell site component 14such as an antenna and a similar measurement made thereon using pointand click, e.g. 4.55′ in this example. FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate anaerial view in the 3D model showing surrounding geography around thecell site 10. From these views, the cell tower 12 is illustrated withthe surrounding environment including the structures, access road, fallline, etc. Specifically, the 3D model can assist in determining a fallline which is anywhere in the surroundings of the cell site 10 where thecell tower 12 may fall. Appropriate considerations can be made basedthereon.

FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate the 3D model and associated photos on theright side. One useful aspect of the 3D model GUI is an ability to clickanywhere on the 3D model and bring up corresponding 2D photos. Here, anoperator can click anywhere and bring up full sized photos of the area.Thus, with the systems and methods described herein, the 3D model canmeasure and map the cell site 10 and surrounding geography along withthe cell tower 12, the cell site components 14, etc. to form acomprehensive 3D model. There are various uses of the 3D model toperform cell site audits including checking tower grounding; sizing andplacement of antennas, piping, and other cell site components 14;providing engineering drawings; determining characteristics such asantenna azimuths; and the like.

Referring to FIG. 26, in an exemplary embodiment, a photo illustratesthe UAV 50 in flight at the top of a cell tower 12. As described herein,it was determined that the optimum distance to photograph the cell sitecomponents 14 is about 10′ to 40′ distance.

Referring to FIG. 27, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a process 850 for modeling a cell site with an UnmannedAerial Vehicle (UAV). The process 850 includes causing the UAV to fly agiven flight path about a cell tower at the cell site, wherein a launchlocation and launch orientation is defined for the UAV to take off andland at the cell site such that each flight at the cell site has thesame launch location and launch orientation (step 852); obtaining aplurality of photographs of the cell site during about the flight plane,wherein each of the plurality of photographs is associated with one ormore location identifiers (step 854); and, subsequent to the obtaining,processing the plurality of photographs to define a three dimensional(3D) model of the cell site based on the associated with one or morelocation identifiers and one or more objects of interest in theplurality of photographs (step 856).

The process 850 can further include landing the UAV at the launchlocation in the launch orientation; performing one or more operations onthe UAV, such as changing a battery; and relaunching the UAV from thelaunch location in the launch orientation to obtain additionalphotographs. The one or more location identifiers can include at leasttwo location identifiers including Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)and GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (GLONASS). The flight plane canbe constrained to an optimum distance from the cell tower. The pluralityof photographs can be obtained automatically during the flight planwhile concurrently performing a cell site audit of the cell site. Theprocess 850 can further include providing a graphical user interface(GUI) of the 3D model; and using the GUI to perform a cell site audit.The process 850 can further include providing a graphical user interface(GUI) of the 3D model; and using the GUI to measure various componentsat the cell site. The process 850 can further include providing agraphical user interface (GUI) of the 3D model; and using the GUI toobtain photographs of the various components at the cell site.

§11.1 3D Modeling Systems and Methods without UAVs

The above description explains 3D modeling and photo data capture usingthe UAV 50. Additionally, the photo data capture can be through othermeans, including portable cameras, fixed cameras, heads up displays(HUD), head mounted cameras, and the like. That is, the systems andmethods described herein contemplate the data capture through anyavailable technique. The UAV 50 will be difficult to obtain photosinside the buildings, i.e., the shelter or cabinet 52. Referring to FIG.28, in an exemplary embodiment, a diagram illustrates an exemplaryinterior 900 of a building 902, such as the shelter or cabinet 52, atthe cell site 10. Generally, the building 902 houses equipmentassociated with the cell site 10 such as wireless RF terminals 910(e.g., LTE terminals), wireless backhaul equipment 912, powerdistribution 914, and the like. Generally, wireless RF terminals 910connect to the cell site components 14 for providing associated wirelessservice. The wireless backhaul equipment 912 includes networkingequipment to bring the associated wireless service signals to a wirelinenetwork, such as via fiber optics or the like. The power distribution914 provides power for all of the equipment such as from the grid aswell as battery backup to enable operation in the event of powerfailures. Of course, additional equipment and functionality iscontemplated in the interior 900.

The terminals 910, equipment 912, and the power distribution 914 can berealized as rack or frame mounted hardware with cabling 916 and withassociated modules 918. The modules 918 can be pluggable modules whichare selectively inserted in the hardware and each can include uniqueidentifiers 920 such as barcodes, Quick Response (QR) codes, RFIdentification (RFID), physical labeling, color coding, or the like.Each module 918 can be unique with a serial number, part number, and/orfunctional identifier. The modules 918 are configured as needed toprovide the associated functionality of the cell site.

The systems and methods include, in addition to the aforementioned photocapture via the UAV 50, photo data capture in the interior 900 for 3Dmodeling and for virtual site surveys. The photo data capture can beperformed by a fixed, rotatable camera 930 located in the interior 900.The camera 930 can be communicatively coupled to a Data CommunicationNetwork (DCN), such as through the wireless backhaul equipment 912 orthe like. The camera 930 can be remotely controlled, such as by anengineer performing a site survey from his or her office. Othertechniques of photo data capture can include an on-site techniciantaking photos with a camera and uploading them to a cloud service or thelike. Again, the systems and methods contemplate any type of datacapture.

Again, with a plurality of photos, e.g., hundreds, it is possible toutilize photogrammetry to create a 3D model of the interior 900 (as wellas a 3D model of the exterior as described above). The 3D model iscreated using physical cues in the photos to identify objects ofinterest, such as the modules 918, the unique identifiers 920, or thelike. Note, the location identifiers described relative to the UAV 50are less effective in the interior 900 given the enclosed, interiorspace and the closer distances.

§12.0 Virtual Site Survey

Referring to FIG. 29, in an exemplary embodiment, a flowchartillustrates a virtual site survey process 950 for the cell site 10. Thevirtual site survey process 950 is associated with the cell site 10 andutilizes three-dimensional (3D) models for remote performance, i.e., atan office as opposed to in the field. The virtual site survey process950 includes obtaining a plurality of photographs of a cell siteincluding a cell tower and one or more buildings and interiors thereof(step 952); subsequent to the obtaining, processing the plurality ofphotographs to define a three dimensional (3D) model of the cell sitebased on one or more objects of interest in the plurality of photographs(step 954); and remotely performing a site survey of the cell siteutilizing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the 3D model to collectand obtain information about the cell site, the cell tower, the one ormore buildings, and the interiors thereof (step 956). The 3D model is acombination of an exterior of the cell site including the cell tower andassociated cell site components thereon, geography local to the cellsite, and the interiors of the one or more buildings at the cell site,and the 3D model can include detail at a module level in the interiors.

The remotely performing the site survey can include determiningequipment location on the cell tower and in the interiors; measuringdistances between the equipment and within the equipment to determineactual spatial location; and determining connectivity between theequipment based on associated cabling. The remotely performing the sitesurvey can include planning for one or more of new equipment and changesto existing equipment at the cell site through drag and drop operationsin the GUI, wherein the GUI comprises a library of equipment for thedrag and drop operations; and, subsequent to the planning, providing alist of the one or more of the new equipment and the changes to theexisting equipment based on the library, for implementation thereof. Theremotely performing the site survey can include providing one or more ofthe photographs of an associated area of the 3D model responsive to anoperation in the GUI. The virtual site survey process 950 can includerendering a texture map of the interiors responsive to an operation inthe GUI.

The virtual site survey process 950 can include performing an inventoryof equipment at the cell site including cell site components on the celltower and networking equipment in the interiors, wherein the inventoryfrom the 3D model uniquely identifies each of the equipment based onassociated unique identifiers. The remotely performing the site surveycan include providing an equipment visual in the GUI of a rack and allassociated modules therein. The obtaining can include the UAV 50obtaining the photographs on the cell tower and the obtaining comprisesone or more of a fixed and portable camera obtaining the photographs inthe interior. The obtaining can be performed by an on-site technician atthe cell site and the site survey can be remotely performed.

In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus adapted to perform avirtual site survey of a cell site utilizing three-dimensional (3D)models for remote performance includes a network interface and aprocessor communicatively coupled to one another; and memory storinginstructions that, when executed, cause the processor to receive, viathe network interface, a plurality of photographs of a cell siteincluding a cell tower and one or more buildings and interiors thereof;process the plurality of photographs to define a three dimensional (3D)model of the cell site based on one or more objects of interest in theplurality of photographs, subsequent to receiving the photographs; andprovide a Graphical User Interface of the 3D model for remoteperformance of a site survey of the cell site utilizing the 3D model tocollect and obtain information about the cell site, the cell tower, theone or more buildings, and the interiors thereof.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer readablemedium includes instructions that, when executed, cause one or moreprocessors to perform the steps of: receiving a plurality of photographsof a cell site including a cell tower and one or more buildings andinteriors thereof; processing the plurality of photographs to define athree dimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on one or moreobjects of interest in the plurality of photographs, subsequent toreceiving the photographs; and rendering a Graphical User Interface ofthe 3D model for remote performance of a site survey of the cell siteutilizing the 3D model to collect and obtain information about the cellsite, the cell tower, the one or more buildings, and the interiorsthereof.

The virtual site survey can perform anything remotely that traditionallywould have required on-site presence, including the various aspects ofthe cell site audit 40 described herein. The GUI of the 3D model can beused to check plumbing of coaxial cabling, connectivity of all cabling,automatic identification of cabling endpoints such as through uniqueidentifiers detected on the cabling, and the like. The GUI can furtherbe used to check power plant and batteries, power panels, physicalhardware, grounding, heating and air conditioning, generators, safetyequipment, and the like.

The 3D model can be utilized to automatically provide engineeringdrawings, such as responsive to the planning for new equipment orchanges to existing equipment. Here, the GUI can have a library ofequipment (e.g., approved equipment and vendor information can beperiodically imported into the GUI). Normal drag and drop operations inthe GUI can be used for equipment placement from the library. Also, theGUI system can include error checking, e.g., a particular piece ofequipment is incompatible with placement or in violation of policies,and the like.

Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and describedherein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examplesthereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functionsand/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments andexamples are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, arecontemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A virtual site survey method at a cell siteutilizing three-dimensional (3D) models for remote performance, thevirtual site survey comprising: obtaining a plurality of photographs ofa cell site comprising one or more of a cell tower and one or morebuildings and interiors thereof; subsequent to the obtaining, processingthe plurality of photographs to define a three dimensional (3D) model ofthe cell site based on one or more objects of interest in the pluralityof photographs; and remotely performing a site survey of the cell siteutilizing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the 3D model to collectand obtain information about the cell site, the cell tower, the one ormore buildings, and the interiors thereof.
 2. The virtual site surveymethod of claim 1, wherein the 3D model is a combination of an exteriorof the cell site comprising the cell tower and associated cell sitecomponents thereon, geography local to the cell site, and the interiorsof the one or more buildings at the cell site, and the 3D modelcomprises detail at a module level in the interiors.
 3. The virtual sitesurvey method of claim 1, wherein the remotely performing the sitesurvey comprises: determining equipment location on the cell tower andin the interiors; measuring distances between the equipment and withinthe equipment to determine actual spatial location; and determiningconnectivity between the equipment based on associated cabling.
 4. Thevirtual site survey method of claim 1, wherein the remotely performingthe site survey comprises: planning for one or more of new equipment andchanges to existing equipment at the cell site through drag and dropoperations in the GUI, wherein the GUI comprises a library of equipmentfor the drag and drop operations; and subsequent to the planning,providing a list of the one or more of the new equipment and the changesto the existing equipment based on the library, for implementationthereof.
 5. The virtual site survey method of claim 1, wherein theremotely performing the site survey comprises: providing one or more ofthe photographs of an associated area of the 3D model responsive to anoperation in the GUI.
 6. The virtual site survey method of claim 1,further comprising: rendering a texture map of the interiors responsiveto an operation in the GUI.
 7. The virtual site survey method of claim1, further comprising: performing an inventory of equipment at the cellsite comprising cell site components on the cell tower and networkingequipment in the interiors, wherein the inventory from the 3D modeluniquely identifies each of the equipment based on associated uniqueidentifiers.
 8. The virtual site survey method of claim 1, wherein theremotely performing the site survey comprises: providing an equipmentvisual in the GUI of a rack and all associated modules therein.
 9. Thevirtual site survey method of claim 1, wherein the obtaining comprisesan Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) obtaining the photographs on the celltower and the obtaining comprises one or more of a fixed and portablecamera obtaining the photographs in the interior.
 10. The virtual sitesurvey method of claim 1, wherein the obtaining is performed by anon-site technician at the cell site and the site survey is remotelyperformed.
 11. An apparatus adapted to perform a virtual site survey ofa cell site utilizing three-dimensional (3D) models for remoteperformance, the apparatus comprising: a network interface and aprocessor communicatively coupled to one another; and memory storinginstructions that, when executed, cause the processor to receive, viathe network interface, a plurality of photographs of a cell sitecomprising one or more of a cell tower and one or more buildings andinteriors thereof; process the plurality of photographs to define athree dimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on one or moreobjects of interest in the plurality of photographs, subsequent toreceiving the photographs; and provide a Graphical User Interface of the3D model for remote performance of a site survey of the cell siteutilizing the 3D model to collect and obtain information about the cellsite, the cell tower, the one or more buildings, and the interiorsthereof.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the 3D model is acombination of an exterior of the cell site comprising the cell towerand associated cell site components thereon, geography local to the cellsite, and the interiors of the one or more buildings at the cell site,and the 3D model comprises detail at a module level in the interiors.13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, for the remote performance, thememory storing instructions that, when executed, further causes theprocessor to determine equipment location on the cell tower and in theinteriors; measure distances between the equipment and within theequipment to determine actual spatial location; and determineconnectivity between the equipment based on associated cabling.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein, for the remote performance, the memorystoring instructions that, when executed, further causes the processorto perform planning for one or more of new equipment and changes toexisting equipment at the cell site through drag and drop operations inthe GUI, wherein the GUI comprises a library of equipment for the dragand drop operations; and subsequent to the planning, provide a list ofthe one or more of the new equipment and the changes to the existingequipment based on the library, for implementation thereof.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein, for the remote performance, the memorystoring instructions that, when executed, further causes the processorto provide one or more of the photographs of an associated area of the3D model responsive to an operation in the GUI.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the memory storing instructions that, when executed,further causes the processor to render a texture map of the interiorsresponsive to an operation in the GUI.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11,wherein the memory storing instructions that, when executed, furthercauses the processor to perform an inventory of equipment at the cellsite comprising cell site components on the cell tower and networkingequipment in the interiors, wherein the inventory from the 3D modeluniquely identifies each of the equipment based on associated uniqueidentifiers.
 18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, for the remoteperformance, the memory storing instructions that, when executed,further causes the processor to provide an equipment visual in the GUIof a rack and all associated modules therein.
 19. The apparatus of claim11, wherein the photographs are obtained both from an Unmanned AerialVehicle (UAV) obtaining the photographs on the cell tower and from oneor more of a fixed and portable camera obtaining the photographs in theinterior.
 20. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprisinginstructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors toperform the steps of: receiving a plurality of photographs of a cellsite comprising one or more of a cell tower and one or more buildingsand interiors thereof; processing the plurality of photographs to definea three dimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on one or moreobjects of interest in the plurality of photographs, subsequent toreceiving the photographs; and rendering a Graphical User Interface ofthe 3D model for remote performance of a site survey of the cell siteutilizing the 3D model to collect and obtain information about the cellsite, the cell tower, the one or more buildings, and the interiorsthereof.